Steerable swinging device

ABSTRACT

A steerable swing device is disclosed which comprise support cables (3, 4) strung across a gully and crossed to form a junction (9). The support cables are anchored at the sides of the gully by anchor points (5, 6, 7, 8). A swing cable (2) is suspended below junction (9) and a craft (1) is suitably attached to the swing cable. A motor-driven winch drum (13) is positioned at the top of the gully and functions to winch the craft to a desirable height before releasing the craft to commence the swing. The craft carries a rider and is provided with a tail assembly including a rudder (18) which is adjusted by moving a joystick (19). During the swing, the craft moves laterally by a rider adjusting the rudder.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a swing. More particularly, but notexclusively, this invention relates to a swinging device suspended belowa substantially horizontally extending cable or bridge and designed tosupport a passenger in a steerable craft which swings about the cable orbridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various forms of swinging and hanging devices have been designed toprovide excitement to passengers in the form of "ground rush" and thefeel of centrifugal force on the body. For example, a conventional swinggenerally comprises one or two cables and is connected to a supportstructure and is provided with a seat to support a person. Adisadvantage with the conventional swing is that it requires energy andpower to be able to swing. Also, there in a limit to the height aboveground over which a person can swing of about 15 meters. Furthermore, aconventional swing does not allow a person to control the path of theswing but merely permits a person to swing back and forth.

Another form of amusement is a bungy jump. An elastic cord is attachedat one end to a person's ankles and anchored to a bridge or crane at theother end. The person jumps off the bridge or crane at a predeterminedheight above the ground or water, and falls generally vertically andsubsequently bounces up and down before settling in a hanging position.The person feels the effects of free fall and "ground rush". However,there are limitations and disadvantages with bungy jumping in that aparticipant is not able to perform aerobatic manoeuvres and is not ableto control the direction of travel after jumping.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It in an object of the invention to provide a steerable swinging devicewhich overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or atleast to provide the public with a useful choice.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a steerableswing device for swinging a rider attached to a carrier through the airfor amusement, the steerable swing device comprising:

a support means extending between at least two anchor points positionedsubstantially opposite each other at a height above the ground;

a swing cable suspended vertically from the support means at a positionapproximately midway between the at least two anchor points;

a carrier adapted to support a rider during a ride; the carrier attachedto the lower end of the swing cable; and

a reposition system adapted to reposition the carrier to a height abovethe ground suitable for release of the carrier at the start of a ride;

the carrier being provided with control means operable by the riderduring the ride such that the rider is able to control the direction oflateral movement of the carrier during the ride by steering the carrierduring the ride as the carrier swings from its launch position about thesupport means.

Preferably the support means extends substantially horizontally betweentwo anchor points. However, the support means may be in the form of anarc. It could comprise a cable or a bridge. The swinging device maycomprise two support cables which meet at a junction point approximatelymidway along their length. The swing cable may extend downwardly fromthis midway point.

Preferably the steerable swing device comprises two lateral supports,extending downwardly from the horizontal support means, the upper end ofeach of the two lateral supports being joined to the horizontal supportmeans and the lower end of each of the two lateral supports being joinedto the lower part of the swing cable or the carrier itself. However,four lateral supports may be provided.

Preferably the carrier comprises a tail and rudder, the rudder beingcontrollable by the rider during the ride or flight. The carrier may bein the form of a small aircraft in which a rider sits or in the form ofa streamlined board, on which a rider may lie in a prone position on hisor her stomach, head facing forward. A joystick to control the ruddermay be provided for operation by the rider. Handles may also beprovided.

Preferably the reposition system is a winch system which is adapted towinch the carrier up to a platform from which the carrier is launched atthe start of a ride. The winch system may be adapted to lower thecarrier to the ground after the ride has been completed.

The swing cable may be made of steel which may be stainless. Part of itslength may be comprised of elasticated cord which may add furtherexcitement to the ride.

The horizontal support cable may extend between two sides of a valley orgully or may extend between two towers. Alternatively the support meansmay be a bridge. A platform which may have steps may be provided toassist a rider to embark or disembark from the carrier when the carrieris resting at its lowest point.

It will be appreciated that a rider may enter the carrier at its lowestpoint and be subsequently raised to a launching position or the ridermay enter the carrier when the carrier is resting at its launchingposition.

The invention also provides a method whereby a rider is launched from aheight in a carrier and wherein the rider is able to control the lateralmovement of the carrier during the subsequent flight or swing of thecarrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of examples with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: shows a plan view of a steerable swinging device according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2: shows a front view of the steerable swinging device according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3: shows a perspective view of a steerable craft.

FIG. 4: shows the perspective view of a steerable swinging deviceaccording to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5: shows a perspective view of a different type of steerable craft.

FIG. 6: shows a platform on wheels to assist with loading and unloadingpassengers in the steerable craft.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a steerable swinging device constructedacross a gully according to one embodiment of the invention is shown.Two support cables 3,4 are strung across the gully and crossed to form ajunction point 9. The support cables 3,4 are anchored at the sides ofthe gully by anchor points 5,6,7, and 8. The construction of the supportcables 3,4 provides a relatively stable anchor for the swing cable 2attached at junction 9.

A craft 1 is connected to one end of a swing cable 2 by a universaljoint 10 enabling the craft 1 to rotate about the swing cable 2. Theswing cable 2 passes through a suitable pulley arrangement (not shown)attached at junction 9 and is attached around winch drum 11 adjacent alaunching platform 14. A motor-driven winch drum 13 is positioned at therear of the launching platform 14 and functions to winch the craft backto the platform 14 using winch cable 12 and secure the craft 1 duringembarking of passengers into the craft.

All the cables are preferably constructed of a durable material such asstainless steel.

A craft 1 according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. A passenger isrestrained in the cockpit 15 of the craft 1 in seat 21 by suitableseatbelt means (not shown). The craft 1 is provided with a tail assemblyconsisting of tail planes 16 on both sides of a fin 17. The fin includesa rudder 18 which is controlled by operating a joystick 19. A hook 20 isattached to the craft 1 and is used to winch the craft 1 back to theplatform 14 and to secure the craft 1 to the launching platform 14 afterunloading and loading the craft with passengers.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention is now described. Thecraft is secured on the launching platform 14 by anchoring hook 20. Apassenger embarks the craft 1 and is secured in the cockpit 15. The hook20 is released and the passenger launches off the platform 14 anddescends in an arc about junction 9. The passenger uses joystick 19 tooperate the rudder 18 to steer the craft laterally. A passenger maycarve figures of eight in the air and perform various aerobaticmanoeuvres.

When the craft 1 ceases to swing, cable 2 is unloaded from winch drum 11to lower the craft 1 to the ground. The passenger then disembarks. Winchcable 12 in lowered to the craft 1 and attached to hook 20 at the backof the craft 1. The craft 1 is then winched back to the platform 14,secured to the platform 14, and is ready for the next passenger.

A suitable height for the launching platform would be between about 50to 150 meters from the lowest part of the swing. It will be appreciatedthat platform 14 need not be positioned normal to the cables 3,4 but maybe offset.

It will also be appreciated that a passenger may embark the craft 1 whenthe swing cable is lowered adjacent the ground such as the base of thegully and the craft and passenger be winched to a suitable height in theair by winch cable 12 and released to swing. A platform 14 at the top ofthe gully is a preferred embodiment only.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, an alternative embodiment of thesteerable swinging device is shown. Two towers 50,51 are constructed ata predetermined height of at least about 50 meters. A support cable orrigid support beam provides a support arch 53 between the towers 50, 51.A swing cable 54 is suitably connected to the support arch 53 atjunction 55. The lower end of the swing cable 54 is attached to a craft56 by a universal joint 57.

Lateral cables 73, 74 are attached to the support arch 53 and areconnected adjacent the lower end of the swing cable 54. These lateralcables 73,74 restrain the lateral movement of the craft 56 such thatduring swinging, one of the lateral cables is taut when the other isloose. It will be appreciated that the lateral cables 73, 74 may be anelastic cord or may be provided with a section of elastic cord to permita varying degree of additional lateral movement of the craft 56 duringthe swing.

A winch system is constructed behind towers 50, 51 to winch the craftand passenger to a predetermined height above the ground. A pulleyarrangement 59 is attached to the top of tower 58. A winch cable 60 isattached to winch drum 61 positioned underneath the junction 55 andpasses through pulley arrangement 59 on tower 58 and is attached to hook68 at the rear of the craft during winching.

Tower 58 is constructed to a predetermined height and distance relativeto the height of junction 55. For example, if junction 55 is at a heightof 50 meters, tower 58 may be constructed to a height of about 50 metersand about 55 meters from the junction 55.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, a craft according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention is shown. A craft 56 comprising a board 62is shaped to comfortably retain a passenger 63 lying in a prone positionalong the board. The board is constructed with a tail assembly 64comprising a tail 65 and steerable rudder 66.

Handlebars 67 are designed to be rotated by the passenger 63 to adjustthe rudder 66 during the swing.

A hook 68 is attached to the rear of the craft 56 and is designed toretain the winch cable 60 and be released by the passenger squeezingrelease means 69. A suitable harness arrangement 70 to secure the craftto the swing cable 54 is provided. The passenger is secured to the board62 for safety by fastening straps 71 attached to the board 62.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a platform designed to assist passengersembarking into and disembarking from the craft 56 is now described. Thecraft 56 is suspended on the swing cable 54 to about 2 meters above theground for safety reasons. A platform 80 is designed to be wheeledunderneath the suspended craft before launch and after the craft 56 issettled.

Steps 81 allow passengers to reach the top of the platform 80 and thuscraft 56 with ease. Suitable wheels 82 are provided to position theplatform 80 for loading and unloading, and to be removed away from thepath of the swing during use.

The operation of this second embodiment of the invention is nowdescribed. The platform 80 is positioned under the craft 56. A passenger63 is strapped to the board 62 by fastening straps 71. Winch cable 60 isattached to releasable hook means 68. The platform is wheeled away fromthe path of the swing and the craft 56 is winched by a motor (not shown)to a desirable height.

As the passenger 63 has control of the winch cable releasing means 69,he or she is able to choose at what height to release the winch cable 60to commence the swing. The winch cable 60 may be retracted to themaximum height before being released by either the passenger 63squeezing release means 69 or by the swing operators (not shown) belowthe junction 55.

When the winch cable 60 has been released, the craft 56 and passenger 63swing about the junction 55. The direction of movement of the swing maybe influenced by the passenger 63 adjusting the rudder 66 during theswing. This will move the craft 56 laterally. When the craft 56 hascompleted the swing, and is settled below junction 55, the platform 80is wheeled beneath the craft 56 and the passenger 63 replaced. Winchcable 60 is attached to hook 68 and another thrilling swing commences.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to specificcomponents or integers having known equivalents then such equivalentsshall herein be incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention had been described by way of example and withreference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood thatimprovements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

For example, it is not necessary to have two support cables 3,4. Asingle support cable could be used.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Although the various ways of constructing the steerable swinging deviceaccording to the invention will find application at a wide variety ofplaces, the invention is considered particularly suitable at amusementparks and tourist resorts where people are generally seeking thrills andexcitement.

I claim:
 1. A steerable swinging device for swinging a rider attached toa carrier through the air for amusement, the steerable swing devicecomprising:a support means extending between at least two anchor points,said anchor points positioned substantially opposite each other at aheight above the ground and located respectively on support members thatare spaced apart from each other; a swing cable suspended verticallyfrom the support means at a position approximately midway between atleast two anchor points; a carrier adapted to support a rider during aride, the carrier attached to the lower end of the swing cable; and areposition system adapted to reposition the carrier to a height abovethe ground suitable for release of the carrier at the start of a ride;the carrier being provided with control means operable by the riderduring the ride such that the rider is able to control the direction oflateral movement of the carrier during the ride as the carrier swingsfrom its launch position about the support means.
 2. A steerable swingdevice according to claim 1 in which the support means extendsubstantially horizontally between two anchor points above the ground.3. A steerable swing device according to claim 1 in which the supportmeans comprises a steel cable which extends horizontally between twoupright support structures.
 4. A steerable swing device according toclaim 3 in which the upright support structures are towers.
 5. Asteerable swing device according to claim 1 further comprising twolateral supports, each lateral support extending downwardly from thesupport means, the upper end of each of the two lateral support meansbeing joined to the support means and the lower end of each of the twolateral supports being joined to the lower part of the swing cable or tothe carrier itself.
 6. A steerable swing device according to claim 5which comprises four lateral supports.
 7. A steerable swing deviceaccording to claim 6 in which the carrier is in the form of astreamlined board, adapted to carrier a rider when the rider lies in aprone position on his or her stomach, head facing forward.
 8. Asteerable swing device according to claim 1 in which the carriercomprises a tail and rudder, the rudder being controllable by the riderduring the rider or flight.
 9. A steerable swing device according toclaim 1 in which the repositioned system is a winch system which isadapted to winch the carrier up to a platform from which the carrier islaunched at the start of a ride.
 10. A steerable swing device accordingto claim 1, in which the swing cable is partly comprised of elasticatedcord.
 11. A steerable swing device for swinging a rider attached to acarrier through the air for amusement, the steerable swing devicecomprising:a support means comprising two support cables extendingbetween four anchor points positioned substantially opposite each otherat a height above the ground, and which intercept at a junction pointapproximately midway along their length; a swing cable suspendedvertically from the junction point of the support cables; a carrieradapted to support a rider during a ride, the carrier attached to thelower end of the swing cable; and a reposition system adapted toreposition the carrier to a height above the ground suitable for releaseof the carrier at the start of a ride; the carrier being provided withcontrol means operable by the rider during the ride such that the rideris able to control the direction of lateral movement of the carrierduring the ride by steering the carrier during the ride as the carrierswings from its launch position about the support means.
 12. A steerableswing device according to claim 11 further comprising two lateralsupports, each lateral support extending downwardly from the supportcables, the upper end of each of the two lateral supports means beingjoined to the support cables and the lower end of each of the twolateral supports being joined to the lower part of the swing cable or tothe carrier itself.
 13. A steerable swing device according to claim 12which comprises four lateral supports.